In the fickle world of real estate, £773,993 ($1m) stretches further in some locations than it does in others – for the same sum, you can pick up a vast property with acres of land, or a tiny apartment in a bustling city. To illustrate the difference, we've found two homes in key countries, with a similar six- or seven-figure price tag, but very different amenities and square footage. 

From a sprawling French castle to a micro-apartment in London, an Auckland boatshed and a fairytale estate in Mexico, click or scroll on to discover what a million bucks can buy you around the world...

*All prices, conversions and average prices correct at time of publication.

Australia is home to bustling cities and beautiful, rural locales, so it makes sense that its real estate prices vary greatly. But in general terms, prices are on the up. In the last 12 months, house prices have increased in Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide and Sydney, by 19.4%, 9.9%, 8.6% and 3.1% respectively.

According to analysis from Money.com.au, since 1975 the average home price in Australia’s major cities has risen by 3,435%, while median full-time wages have increased by only 1,183%. This means there's a huge affordability issue.

New South Wales is home to the country's most expensive property market, Sydney, which has a median home value of around AU$1.6 million (£776k/$1m). Meanwhile, the most affordable region is the Northern Territory, with the average house price in Darwin being AU$614,192 (£298k/$386k), as of February 2025.

Sadly, a million doesn't stretch too far in the sought-after city of Sydney. Yours for AU$1.5 million (£727k/$943k), this snug but stylish apartment was on the market with Village Property in March 2025.

The floorplan encompasses a single bedroom, a bathroom, an open-plan living area and a balcony. While square footage may be limited, there's no shortage of luxury finishes. High-end timber floors and fixtures extend throughout, while the kitchen features stone countertops and state-of-the-art Gaggenau appliances. 

Measuring a total of 613 square feet (57sqm), the apartment is very typical of the property options for those living in the city's central business district. Sydney is facing an affordable housing crisis – the average home here costs 13.5 times the average income.

Still, there's no denying that the views are pretty incredible. Walls of floor-to-ceiling glass line the living area and bedroom, offering breathtaking views across the city skyline.

Beyond New South Wales, your money will stretch a whole lot further. This marvellous house in Noonamah, an outer rural suburban area of Darwin, was listed for expressions of interest in March 2025, with a guide price of between AU$1.2 million and AU$1.4 million. That's between £583,614 ($755k) and £680,883 ($880k). Real Estate Central Projects - Darwin held the listing.

For less than the price of a one-bedroom apartment in Sydney, you can get a 42-acre (17ha) property with a three-bedroom house, a resort-style swimming pool and immaculate gardens.

Designed to complement the surrounding environment, the exquisite residence is perched at the top of a ridge, so every internal room enjoys stunning panoramic views over the Elizabeth Valley.

With a gorgeous indoor-outdoor layout, the home's main open-plan living space has real wow-factor. Walls of glass can be opened to connect the interior to the enviable 1,614-square-foot (150sqm) deck. The home is also self-sufficient and eco-friendly, powered by solar and with essential back-up systems in place.

Like most countries, the United States is home to super-expensive metropolises and more affordable cities and towns. House prices continue to rise across the nation. In fact, median existing-home prices have grown by roughly 38% over the past five years, alongside rising mortgage rates.

According to Redfin, the average house in America costs £330,230 ($428k), as of March 2025, up 2.6% over the last year. Their data shows that California is the most expensive state at £605,640 ($785k), while Iowa is the least expensive state, with a median house value of £175,500 ($228k). However, with a median listing home price of £1.2 million ($1.5m), Manhattan has one of the most expensive housing markets in the country.

So what do homes look like in New York City's most exclusive borough? Located in Manhattan's trendy Chelsea neighbourhood, this one-bedroom apartment was listed in March 2025, with Compass, for £771,530 ($1m).

Space comes at a premium in the densely populated Big Apple – this petite city property features just three rooms: an open-plan living space with a sitting area, dining table and kitchen, a bathroom and a bedroom.

The home is modern and light-filled, with new fixtures and fittings. There's no outside space, but the windows do provide views of the city, including Hudson Yards. 

You also get the benefit of living in one of Manhattan's most exclusive co-op buildings. This means that residents can make use of on-site laundry facilities, a bike room and even a garage.

At the other end of the scale in Ohio, you can purchase a sprawling home like this for £732,980 ($950k). On the market in March 2025 with Century 21 Homestar, the property's stature and scale is evident from its grand façade. 

The 5,408-square-foot (502sqm) mansion offers plenty of value for money. As well as the house itself, the property includes an acre (0.4ha) of landscaped grounds.

Built in 2003, the residence spans three storeys, including a basement level that has the potential to be utilised as an in-laws suite or private apartment. There are five bedrooms and six bathrooms, as well as an elegant entrance foyer, a striking living room with a double-height ceiling, a formal dining room and a generous kitchen.

The house has two exterior balconies and the backyard boasts a dining patio and plenty of space for a swimming pool.

The United Kingdom is suffering from a housing crisis. Due to a huge supply and demand imbalance, decent homes are hard to come by and extremely unaffordable for many. The value of houses has increased 24% over the last five years, which is three-times faster than the value of flats, which have seen 7% growth. The average price of a detached home in the UK is £448,500 ($581k) and prices are set to rise by 2.5% by the end of 2025.

As of January 2025, Aberdeen in Scotland is the cheapest place to buy a house in the UK, with an average price of just £137,000 ($178k), according to findings. Cities and towns in North East England, such as Sunderland and Durham, also consistantly feature on affordable housing lists. Unsurprisingly, London is one of the most expensive areas. Here, homes cost £685,855 ($889k) on average.

A stone's throw from London's affluent Sloan Square in Chelsea is this recently renovated apartment, which was listed with estate agents Chestertons for £750,000 ($972k).

When you purchase real estate in the UK capital's most expensive borough, you pay for every inch of space. This one-bedroom apartment measures a compact 465 square feet (43sqm) – that makes it £1,613 ($2.1k) per square foot, or £17,362 ($22k) per square metre.

Crisp white walls and warm wood floors define the interior, which includes a multifunctional living area with a lounge, dining zone and kitchen, decked out with modern white cabinetry.

Elsewhere, there's a sleek bathroom with a combined shower and bathtub, as well as a double bedroom.

It's a completely different story over in County Durham in the North East of England. In the quaint village of Haswell, this large new-build home offers five bedrooms and four bathrooms, all for £725,000 ($940k). Spanning 4,200 square feet (390sqm) of living space, it's almost 10 times the size of the Chelsea apartment. 

Along with its sizeable floor plan, the house is positioned on a 0.4-acre (0.2ha) plot and features a pretty manicured garden and terrace to the rear.

The ground floor contains a spacious open-plan family room, which encompasses the kitchen and dining zone, along with a sitting area. A separate entertaining room, utility, pantry, study and bathroom also occupy this level. 

Upstairs are the bedrooms, including the master suite, complete with its own dressing area, ensuite bathroom and balcony. There's also a large games room fitted out with a built-in flatscreen TV and pool table – perfect for the whole family. 

A country with dramatic natural landscapes and vibrant cities, New Zealand is a sought-after place to live and is regularly named one of the best places to live in the world, thanks to its stunning landscape and quality of life.

So, what about affordability? Well, real estate here is on the up. In February 2025, the median house price in New Zealand was NZ$772,000, or £343,555 ($444k). That figure was just NZ$430,000 (£191k/$247k) 10 years ago. That means that the median New Zealand property has increased in value by 6.03% each year, or NZ$34,200 (£15k/$20k) on average.

Auckland, the country's most populous city on its North Island, is the most expensive hotspot, with an average house price of NZ$1 million (£445k/$575k). Meanwhile, some of the cheapest markets are found on the West Coast. Here, the median house price is just NZ$430,000 (£191k/$245k).

With a median property price of just under NZ$2 million (£890k/$1.2m), in March 2025, Orakei Ward is one of the most expensive districts to buy in the Auckland region. However, if you think that'll get you a sprawling mansion, think again. 

Perched on the edge of Hobson Bay, one of these humble boat sheds was on the market in March 2025 for just shy of NZ$1.9 million (£845k/$1.1m) with New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty.

Surprisingly, the historic structures have proved to be incredibly desirable over the years – they're an iconic Auckland landmark and regularly command sizeable price tags when they come to market. In June 2023, one of the sheds sold at auction for more than NZ$2 million (£890k/$1.2m)!

Boatshed 18, as it's known, is no rundown shack. Dating back to 1930, the 1,453-square-foot (135sqm) structure has been impressively overhauled for modern living. A large deck leads into a modern living and dining area with a full-sized kitchen, as well as a shower room and toilet. Upstairs, there's a lounge on the mezzanine level that benefits from views across the bay, plus a study and yoga room. 

Crucially though, there's no bedroom. Zoning rules that cover the sheds mean that owners can't stay in their units overnight or reside there full-time. Still, there's no denying that this is a pretty unique piece of real estate.

Over on New Zealand's South Island in Grey District, you can find rural retreats at more affordable prices. Nestled in the town of Greymouth on the West Coast is this contemporary seven-bedroom home, listed in March 2025 for just under NZ$1.6 million (£689k/$891k), with Harcourts West Coast.

The house is sited on over an acre (0.4ha) of beautifully landscaped grounds, featuring tropical planting, a spa pool, a storage shed and a four-car garage. The lot also benefits from breathtaking views across the bush and the Tasman Sea.

Constructed in 2004, the home is packed with state-of-the-art features, including underfloor heating, a central vacuum system and a heat pump.

Its 5,220-square-foot (485sqm) floor plan includes a modern kitchen with high-end appliances, a breakfast island and a butler's pantry. As well as an array of communal living spaces, there's also plenty of space to host friends and family, thanks to the home's seven ensuite bedrooms. 

A country with vast national parks, gorgeous mountain ranges and thriving metropolises, Canada is often described as one of the best countries in the world, not just for travel, but for living too.

In March 2025, the nation's average house price was CA$712,400 (£384k/$496k), but, according to Statista, this figure is expected to reach CA$746,379 (£403k/$521k) by 2026. 

The three most affordable provinces for housing are Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan. In Newfoundland and Labrador, average house prices are around CA$350,000 (£188k/$243k). British Columbia and Ontario have the country's most expensive property markets, with the average three-bed home selling for CA$1.3 million (£702k/$908k) and CA$1.1 million (£594k/$767k) respectively.

The nation's most expensive city for real estate is Vancouver, where the cost of living is about 45% higher than the national average. But the city of Burnaby, which neighbours Vancouver, is ranked 4th out of 153 of the most expensive cities in Canada, according to Livingcost.

This penthouse apartment in Burnaby was on the market with Royal LePage Sussex in March 2025, for just under CA$1.8 million (£971k/$1.3m). The home is situated in the heart of Metrotown and features an incredible outdoor balcony that stretches 523 square feet (49sqm) and provides idyllic skyline views.

Inside, you'll find 1,184 square feet (110sqm) of space. There's an open-plan living area with a lounge, dining zone and kitchen, as well as three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

It boasts plenty of high-end extras, too, including sound-insulating walls and doors, motorised blinds, heated bathroom floors and motion sensor lighting.

Meanwhile on the opposite side of the country, on Canada's east coast, a smaller sum could get you a completely different kind of home. 

A perfect example is this magnificent custom residence in Moncton, New Brunswick, which was for sale in March 2025, with Platinum Atlantic Realty, for just under CA$1.3 million, or £701,673 ($908k).

Measuring 2,970 square feet (276sqm), which is more than double the size of the Burnaby apartment, this family home features two floors of luxury living space.

There's an open concept main room, with a sitting area, dining space and chef's kitchen. There are also four bedrooms and four bathrooms, while the primary suite has its own sitting area, his and her walk-in closets and ensuite bathroom. There's even a bar, gym and cinema.

South Africa's property market has been described as "sluggish" over the past few years, due to high levels of unemployment, weak household finances and an underdeveloped mortgage market. However, the country's property market is poised for growth in 2025. It's anticipated that the market will experience an annual growth rate of 2.99% over the next few years.

As of March 2025, the average two-bed property goes for R850,000, which is just £36,000 ($47k), according to data compiled by the real estate search website Property24. Property analytics group, Lightstone, revealed the most expensive suburbs in the country based on property value and they’re all in the Western Cape. 

The average home price in the three most expensive suburbs, Llandudno, Bishopscourt and Clifton, was more than R20 million (£850k/$1.1m), while Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape is the cheapest city to buy, with homes costing, on average, R514,000 (£22k/$28k).

Highlighting the soaring prices in Clifton, an upscale oceanfront neighbourhood in Cape Town, this apartment was for sale in March 2025, with Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty, for R23 million (£977k/$1.3m).

Inside, the three-bedroom apartment features an open-plan living area, with a lounge, a small dining space and a galley kitchen. Plus, there's a lovely exterior balcony with dreamy sea views.

According to the listing agents, the 2,271-square-foot (211sqm) apartment is located in a "rarely for sale, hard to find and highly-desirable" neighbourhood, which is likely why it is so expensive.

Adding to its price is the fact the home comes with two parking bays, a communal swimming pool on the edge of the sea, and, of course, unbelievable panorama.

At the lower end of the nation's property market, the province of Gauteng in the north of South Africa offers a lot more for your money, with an average house price of R900,000 (£38k/$49k).

Offering more than three times the square footage of the Cape Town apartment, this 7,534-square-foot (699sqm) home in the province's Sandton region was on the market in March 2025, with Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty, for R19.5 million (£828k/$1.1m).

The modern family home features a double-volume entrance with solid French oak herringbone flooring, an open-plan reception room with stunning finishes, five bedrooms and five bathrooms. 

Outside, there's half-an-acre (0.2ha) of land. Here, you'll find a covered patio with a barbeque and pizza oven and a separate pavilion with a fire pit. There's also an irrigated garden, a swimming pool and endless lawn space.

With its bustling cities, glittering coastlines and picturesque mountains, Spain has plenty to offer prospective homebuyers. As such, in 2024, the housing market experienced a significant rise in property prices. In fact, according to Idealista data, the price of resale homes surged by 10.7% in November 2024. Plus, it's predicted that there will be a further 3% rise in prices in 2026.

Extremadura in the west of the country is considered one of the most budget-friendly places to buy, with an average property price around €65 (£54/$70) per square foot (€700/£589/$761 per sqm). Comparatively, in Madrid the average property price hovers around €297 (£249/$321) per square foot (€3.2k/£2.7k/$3.5k per sqm) and Barcelona is a little cheaper, at around €279 (£234/$303) per square foot (€3k/£2.5k/$3.2k per sqm).

So exactly how far will your money stretch in one of Spain's most expensive markets? Located on Madrid's Plaza de la Marina Española, this two-bedroom apartment is close to some of the city's most iconic sights, including the Royal Palace and the Plaza de España.

Proximity to such landmarks comes at a cost, though – €990,000 (£829k/$1.1m) to be precise.

The property, which was listed with Spain Sotheby's International Realty in March 2025, features two bedrooms and two bathrooms across 1,528 square feet (142sqm) of living space. There's also an entrance foyer, lounge, kitchen-diner and dressing room, along with built-in wardrobes.

Heritage design touches extend throughout the carefully renovated home, from the arched doorways and wall panelling, to the herringbone floors.

Meanwhile, your money will go a whole lot further in Spain's picturesque rural regions. This sprawling property is located in the town of Montoro in the province of Córdoba, in the south-central region. Homes in the rural municipality cost an average of €31 (£26/$34) per square foot, or €334 (£280/$362) per square metre.

Priced at €985,000 (£825k/$1.1m) – that's €5,000 (£4.2k/$5.4k) less than the Madrid apartment – in March 2025, this 10-bedroom compound highlights the vast difference in property prices across Spain.

A converted 18th-century olive mill, the property was formerly run as a hotel and includes a swimming pool, a 2.5-acre (1ha) olive grove and parking for up to 20 cars. 

The beautiful main house offers 10,398 square feet (966sqm) of accommodation across three floors. The floor plan features a kitchen, living room, laundry room, library, seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms, as well as an idyllic outdoor terrace. In addition, the estate's smaller house provides an extra 1,593 square feet (148sqm), comprising a living room, kitchen, two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Germany is home to beautiful, historic cities and stunning rural wilderness, yet it's been a turbulent few years for the country's property market. Thanks to years of low interest rates and strong demand, the property market in Germany was booming until "a post-pandemic surge in borrowing and construction costs quickly turned it into one of the hardest-hit markets, in a global real estate slump", Reuters explains.

Since soaring nearly 25% from 2020 to mid-2022, home prices have fallen about 12%. But things are slowly turning around and it's expected that the average German house price will rise by 3.5% in 2025.

According to March 2025 data from Engel & Völkers, the average offer price for homes in Germany is €453,740 (£380k$492k). Germany's most expensive market is Munich in Bavaria, where the typical home costs €1,083 (£907/$1.2k) per square foot (€11.6k/£9.8k/$12.7k per sqm). Leipzig in Saxony is one of the most affordable spots, with the average home costing just €354 (£296/$383) per square foot (€3.8k/£3.2k/$4.1k per sqm).

Brimming with ornate architecture and a cosmopolitan culture, it's no wonder that homebuyers flock to Munich. However, the high demand for property here has made the Bavarian capital the most expensive place to buy a house in the whole of Germany. Besides high house prices, the cost of living in the city is also significantly higher than anywhere else in Germany.

An example of the city's high prices, this compact, three-bedroom apartment in Allach-Untermenzing was on the market in March 2025 for €995,000, or £834,500 ($1.1m), with muenchen-sothebysrealty.com.

Its interior is modern and light-filled, yet its dimensions are rather small for such a hefty price tag. The apartment has an open-plan kitchen and living room, three bedrooms and two bathrooms. 

There's also a spacious balcony that comes equipped with a dining space with lovely views.

Meanwhile, there's a marked shift in affordability in Germany's more rural areas. For less than the price of a small Munich apartment, you can buy a magnificent home in Lower Saxony.

Located away from the hustle and bustle of the country's major cities, this stunning house is shrouded by trees in the quaint town of Burgwedel. The attractive half-timbered home might look historic, but it was actually built in 2015. 

There's no shortage of space, here. The house has two floors of elegant accommodation, including a striking open concept living area. Decorated with beams and exposed timbers, there's a lounge, dining area and modern kitchen. 

Upstairs you'll find two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Priced at £692,196 ($895k) in March 2025, with Niedersachsen Bremen Sotheby's International Realty, this home is light-filled, chic and move-in ready.

From a rural château to a romantic city pied-à-terre, French real estate is diverse – and what's more, it's currently a buyer's market. According to data from Global Property Guide, house prices in the country have been in a downward trajectory for some time. In the third quarter of 2024, prices dropped by 3.96% year-on-year, which was the fifth consecutive drop.

In late 2024, the three most expensive cities were located on the French Riviera; Ramatuelle, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Saint-Tropez, according to a recent study by the National Federation of Real Estate (FNAIM). Amazingly, homes in Ramatuelle cost, on average, €1,494 (£1.3k/$1.6k) per square foot (€16k/£13.5k/$17.4k per sqm).

The capital, Paris, is also highly expensive, with homes averaging at €1,054 (£883/$1.1k) per square foot (€11.3k/£9.5k/$12.3k per sqm). Central France remains the cheapest place to buy, with the city of Limoges offering homes at an average price of just €187,600 (£157k/$204k).

Situated in the region of Île-de-France, Paris has long been immortalised in popular culture and was crowned the most beautiful city in the world in 2024. Consequently, it has one of the most desirable real estate markets in France and even a million bucks won't buy you very much.

This charming one-bedroom pied-à-terre on the iconic Avenue des Champs Elysées, in the city's 8th arrondissement, was listed in March 2025, with Paris Est Sotheby's International Realty, for €870,000 (£729k/$945k).

Situated on the fourth floor of a 1970s apartment building, the layout includes an entrance hall, a light-filled living room with a Juliet balcony, a small kitchen, a bedroom with built-in wardrobes and a bathroom. 

In total, the apartment spans 624 square feet (58sqm), which makes it €1,514 (£1.3k/$1.7k) per square foot. It's no surprise that real estate in the heart of Paris is some of the most expensive in the world.

You'll get far more square footage for your money in Central France. Enter this beautiful château in the town of Valençay, Indre.

It was listed for sale in March 2025, with Cabinet Le Nail, for just €995,000 (£833k/$1.1m). The 16th-century property includes five acres (2ha) of parkland and even a saltwater swimming pool.

The sprawling mansion spans three floors and offers 4,844 square feet (450sqm) of living space. On the ground floor, there's a dining room, kitchen, living room and bathroom, while on the upper two floors, there are seven bedrooms, plus a multifunctional games room and home cinema.

In the grounds, an array of outbuildings offer additional square footage, including an 18th-century structure, a garage and a storage room. An escape to the country suddenly looks very tempting...

Renowned for its breathtaking mountains and historic cities, Austria is a popular location among prospective buyers and investors. The nation had a remarkably stable market for years, with sustained growth year-on-year. Not even Coronavirus had any negative impact on property prices. In fact, prices rose by 30% following the pandemic. But in 2023 and 2024, prices dropped steadily, by 2.35% and 1.08% repectively.

According to forecasts, the supply of property is expected to increase by 4% in 2025, while demand could rise by around 5%. Property prices in Austria will likely rise by 3% in the next 12 months, too. The highest property prices can be found in the Kitzbühel region, with villas and chalets selling for around €2.6 million (£2.2m/$2.8m). 

As the nation's capital, Vienna is one of the most expensive regions to purchase property, too, while house prices are much lower in Burgenland, Austria's least populous state in the east.

Vienna's sought-after real estate comes at a price. According to Properstar, the average price per square foot for an apartment in the city is €499 (£418/$540), the equivalent of €5,367 per square metre (£4.5k/$5.8k). 

Situated in a desirable spot in the 5th District of the city, this light-filled maisonette was listed in March 2025, with Knight Frank, for just shy of €1.2 million (£1m/$1.3m).

The modern, two-storey apartment is located inside a beautiful old building with an elevator and benefits from magnificent views across Vienna's skyline. The interior spans 1,431 square feet (133sqm) and it even has a terrace and a rooftop deck.

The floor plan includes a kitchen, dining area and lounge, along with three bathrooms and two bathrooms.

Head south of Vienna and you can get a lot more property for your money. In the quaint town of Bruck an der Leitha, on the border between Burgenland and Lower Austria, lies this modern family home.

It offers plenty of space to stretch out and was priced at €930,000, which equates to £778,735 ($1m), in March 2025. It was brought to the market by RE/MAX Limes.

Situated on a lot of just under 5,000 square feet (463sqm), the home has a total of five bedrooms and four bathrooms. Clad in herringbone wood flooring, the open-plan main living areas flow seamlessly into each other, united by a neutral colour palette and contemporary finishes.

The garden is just as thoughtfully designed as the interior, featuring a saltwater swimming pool, a pavilion with an outdoor kitchen, multiple terraces, a firepit, a vegetable garden and an orchard with its own automated irrigation system. 

Switzerland is known for its beautiful, mountainous landscapes, booming financial centre and notoriously high cost of living – which is 53.7% higher than in the United States. In fact, Zürich, Lausanne and Geneva were named the top three most-expensive cities in the world on Numbeo's 2025 Cost of Living Rankings.

Real estate is similarly extortionate across the nation, with property prices continuing to rise. Home prices rose by 0.6% in the final quarter of 2024 and are expected to increase by between 3% and 4% in 2025. 

Of course, markets vary between cantons, but Zürich is the most expensive spot to buy. In contrast, the cheapest place to buy a house in Switzerland is the town of Aarburg in the canton of Aargau. Here, the average price for a house is just CHF610,000 (£535k/$692k).

From its picturesque streets and waterfront to its bustling city life and cultural attractions, it's not hard to see why Zürich, Switzerland's largest city, is home to some of the world's most expensive real estate. Here, the median price for houses on the market is CHF1.9 million, or £1.6 million ($2.1m).

Located in Zürich's Albisrieden quarter to the west of the city centre, this stylish yet compact apartment was listed by Grundeigentümer Verband Schweiz in March 2025, for CHF940,000 (£825k/$1.1m).

Spanning 689 square feet (64sqm) of living space, the apartment includes an open-plan living and dining area, a separate kitchen with plenty of storage space, two bedrooms and a bathroom with a combined shower and bathtub.

The property also includes storage space in the attic and cellar, as well as access to a communal laundry room. 

Meanwhile, in the canton of Jura on the French border, square footage is decidedly more affordable. The median house price here stands at around CHF664,229 (£583k/$754k).

In the charming Jura village of Les Bois, this beautiful, sprawling home was on the market for £745,650 ($964k) with La Figaro Properties, in March 2025. The quintessential Swiss retreat with its green shutters and characterful mansard roof, the detached home was built in 1902 and still contains many of its original architectural elements.

In more recent years, the four-storey house was divided into three apartments, though it wouldn't take much to return the building to a single-family home. As the floor plan stands, there are two apartments consisting of four-and-a-half rooms, each with a kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms and living areas, as well as a separate loft apartment. There's also a communal laundry room, cellar, storage rooms and a garage.

While the home may be a little changed from its 20th-century heyday, its heritage features have been beautifully preserved, from ceiling roses to intricate mouldings and original stonework.

From city apartments to sprawling rural villas, Mexico has a varied housing stock, however, a lack of affordable and available homes has led to a a huge crisis across the country. In fact, in 2023 there was a housing deficit of 8.5 million. Fuelling the fire, house prices rose 8.8% year-on-year in Dec 2024, following an increase of 9.2% in the previous quarter.

In January 2025, the national average home price was approximately 1.7 million pesos (£65k/$84k). Data shows that Mexico City is the most expensive place to buy a home. The average price here was 3.9 million pesos (£146k/$189k) in the first half of 2024. Durango, in the country's northwest, is the cheapest place to buy, with homes here averaging at 978,774 pesos (£37k/$47k).

Mexico City's housing deficit is largely to blame for its rocketing property prices. Infonavit, the national housing institute, estimates that Mexico City needs around 500,000 new homes to accommodate its growing population. However, new homes that are being built are aimed toward higher-income buyers or luxury renters, which has further exacerbated the city's housing issues.

The city's Nápoles neighbourhood is one of the most exclusive enclaves in Mexico City and housing costs here reflect its desirability. This light-filled two-bedroom apartment was listed for sale with Mexico Sotheby's International Realty, in March 2025, for £754,643 ($975k), which equates to 19.7 million pesos.

Situated in a landmark Art Deco building, the two-floor penthouse encompasses 1,528 square feet (142sqm) of beautifully designed living space.

The bedrooms, complete with ensuite bathrooms and walk-in wardrobes, are located on the lower level, along with a family room with swathes of glass. On the upper level, the open-plan kitchen, dining and living areas spill out onto a large terrace, plus there's an office that could be repurposed as a third bedroom.

It's a different story in Guanajuato state in the centre of Mexico, where the average house price is just under 1.4 million pesos, or £52,585 ($68k), 2.5 million pesos (£94k/$121k) less than in the nation's capital.

This enchanting five-bedroom house was on the market for around £812,693 ($1.1m) in March 2025, with Cynthia Petro and Nick Heath of San Miguel Sotheby's International Realty. That's 21.3 million pesos. Known as El Castillo Del Unicornio, which translates as Unicorn Castle, the estate is straight out of a storybook with its vibrant hues and whimsical architecture. 

The 8,590-square-foot (798sqm) home is a celebration of colour and traditional Mexican craftsmanship. The chef's kitchen combines vivid greens, blues, yellows and pinks and is crowned with a spectacular window-lined cupola that channels natural light down into the space.

Spread across the property's three storeys, there's a master suite on the first level, along with an additional master bedroom on the second level with a walk-in closet, Jacuzzi bathtub, fireplace and multiple balconies.

On the home's lower storey, there's even a self-contained apartment with its own private entrance that's ideal for guests. Outside, the manicured grounds include a grotto-style Jacuzzi, a brick oven, multiple terraces and a guard room. 

The South American country of Colombia has a faltering housing market. Less homes are being build, less people are looking to buy and the economy is slowing. Despite this, property prices have been consistency rising in recent years. Prices grew 9.1% year-on-year in Dec 2024, following an increase of 10.4% in the previous quarter.

The country's capital Bogotá is home to some of the nation's most expensive homes, while more affordable real estate can be found in areas such as Tolima and the department of Valle del Cauca on the country's southwest coast, where homes cost as little as COP 318,364 (£59/$76) per square foot.

Located some 8,660 feet (2,640m) above sea level, property prices in Bogotá match its dizzying altitude. Homes here cost, on average, 687,767 Colombian pesos (£127/$165) per square foot. 

This three-bedroom penthouse in the affluent El Refugio neighbourhood on the west side of Bogotá offers a luxurious base in the heart of the city. It was priced at just under 5 billion Colombian pesos (£916k/$1.2m) when it was listed for sale with Dluxe S.A.S., in March 2025. 

Featuring open, airy living spaces, the luxury home is accessed via a private elevator. The spectacular main living room is framed by wall-to-wall glass, offering a bird's eye view across the city's skyline. Meanwhile, the kitchen is fitted out with high-end appliances and a snug breakfast bar, along with a ribbon window that makes the most of the outlook. Elsewhere, there are three ensuite bedrooms and a rare roof terrace for soaking up the sunshine.

The penthouse also includes four parking spaces and access to the complex's clubhouse, which contains a swimming pool, sauna, Turkish bath, gym and squash court.

When it comes to luxury homes, there are more affordable pockets even in relatively costly departments like Cundinamarca, which encircles the capital. For example, in the picturesque town of Anapoima, around two and a half hours outside of Bogotá, median house prices are far more palatable at 445,317 Colombian pesos (£82/$106) per square foot, which is around 4.8 million Colombian pesos (£888/$1.4k) per square metre. 

For example, this beautiful 6,681-square-foot (621sqm) home, nestled among the rolling mountains, was listed in March 2025 for just £626,934 ($810k), via Prominent Properties Sotheby's International Realty.

A veritable slice of paradise, the spectacular villa is set within a landscaped plot of just under 0.8 acres (0.3ha). The manicured grounds contain a large swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, a sun terrace and a barbecue, ideal for embracing the alfresco lifestyle.

The light-filled interior includes five bedrooms and six bathrooms and also offers staff accommodation. The living spaces have been designed to optimise the home's rural surroundings. In most of the communal areas, bi-folding glass doors retract to create a seamless flow between inside and out. 

It's a turbulent time for Argentina's property market. Because of sky-high inflation rates (figures are expected to rise by 250% in 2025), the country has traditionally been a cash buyer's market, something that has priced all but the richest out of homeownership. However, the reintroduction of mortgage loans is slowly revolutionising the real estate market.

In March 2025, the median house price in the nation was 101,252 (£74/$96) Argentine pesos ($156/£123) per square foot, or 1.1 million pesos (£794/$1k) per square metre, according to Properstar. The nation's capital, Buenos Aires, is one of the most expensive markets to buy property, while the provinces of Mendoza in the far west and Córdoba in the centre offer more for your money.

Perched on Argentina's eastern coast, Buenos Aires is a sprawling, cosmopolitan city known for its eclectic European-style architecture. Property prices in the capital are steep in comparison to other regions. In fact, Puerto Madero, a barrio of Buenos Aires, was one of the most expensive neighbourhoods for residential property in Latin America in 2023.

The city's median property price per square foot is 111,483 Argentina pesos (£81/$105), the equivalent of ARS 1.2 million (£874/$1.1k) per square metre. Apartments will cost you more than double this amount, too. Palermo, the city's largest central neighbourhood, is home to botanical gardens, museums and art galleries, as well as upmarket boutiques and restaurants. Located in the heart of this enclave, an apartment in this French-style building was for sale in March 2025 for £873,800 ($1.1m), with Covello Propiedades via Luxury Estate.

Bright and modern, the apartment has 1,808 square feet (168sqm) of living space, including three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The master bedroom benefits from its own ensuite washroom and a separate dressing room.

Elsewhere, there's a living room that offers access to a balcony, plus a large modern kitchen with enough space for a dining table. Residents of the building can also use the complex's club amenities, which include a swimming pool, gym and sauna.

Meanwhile, northwest of Buenos Aires in the province of Córdoba, space is more plentiful for your money. Nestled in the foothills of the Sierras de Córdoba mountain range, houses cost around 66,077 Argentine pesos (£48/$62) per square foot, or ARS 711,249 (£518/$669) per square metre – that's 65% lower than the national median for the same type of property. 

This spacious home lies inside the gated community of La Serena, in Mendiolaza, and was listed in March 2025 for £719,870 ($930k), with Inmoproyectos Bienes Raíces and Properstar. 

The impressive three-storey property offers comfort, style and exclusivity. it features an open-plan living area, a kitchen, five spacious bedrooms, four bathrooms and a wine cellar.

There's also a generous garden, complete with a patio, barbeque area and swimming pool. The home also boasts numerous exterior balconies for soaking up the sunshine and views of the Sierras Chicas. 

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